Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 16, 2013

Intimate Conversations

cb devo aug 16“Pray continually.”  I Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV)

We all agree that prayer is an important part of our Christian walk. However even with the best intentions prayer can sometimes get moved to the bottom of the list or sometimes off the list completely.  There was a time when I knew my prayer life was suffering, yet 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says “pray continually.”   I was hardly praying at all, let alone continually.  So I got a little creative.  Here are some of the things I did to recharge my prayer time.  I still use several of these methods today:

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·         Prayer Journaling-You can use a binder, a small notebook or even a pack of index cards.  A binder can be divided into sections with daily, weekly or monthly prayer needs.  You can use a small notebook to simply write out your prayers to God.  Or tuck a stack of index cards in your Bible with a different list of people and prayer needs for each day of the week. 

·         Out and About Praying-This is just praying in the car while you are driving throughout the day.  You can incorporate daily prayer lists if you want or just pray for what comes to mind.

·         Walk the Dog Praying–  When the dog needs to go out, I take him and  pray while I wait.  If I need a longer prayer time, I’ll take him for a short walk.

·         Chore Prayers– Doing  household chores are good times to pray.  Folding laundry, sweeping, dusting, are all perfect times to pray. Our hands are busy, but our mouths are free to talk to God.  

Remember we can pray anytime, anywhere, and anyway. Start small. The key to maintaining our prayer life is to find something that will work for us. 

“Lord, thank You that we can communicate with You directly through prayer. Help us to keep prayer at the top of our list for the day. “

For His Glory,

Josey Bozzo

TRBC Coffee Break 

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Posted in Prayer, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 15, 2013

Leave The Baggage Behind

cb devo aug 15 kr“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” Romans 15:4 (NIV)

 Life is constantly giving us lessons, so the key is to take the time to learn them. All too often we cannot move forward from a lesson because we are too busy looking back. It’s kind of like trying to finish reading a book but stopping to reread the previous chapters. We will never know how the book ends because eventually we will get frustrated with the process and quit reading. The same can be applied to our lives. Sometimes we go through things in our past that we haven’t properly processed or dealt with. Instead of using them to learn a lesson, we continue to drag them from one relationship, job or situation. And then we add new baggage on top of it all. Soon, we are so overwhelmed with everything and give up. We become accustomed to the weight of the past and try to continue life like it’s not there. God gave us His word to teach us that we don’t have to carry the burdens of past mistakes and disappointments around. Through the grace of God and the gift of salvation, we can turn those burdens over to God and continue to the next chapter of life burden free.

 

“Dear God Help us lay down the hurts, disappointments, and failures of our past at Your feet. Show us Your scriptures that will give us the strength to move forward towards the freedom and hope we have in You.”

 

For His Glory

 

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

Photo Credit http://www.ptl.org

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Freedom, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 14, 2013

Releasing Today

Woman Enjoying the Sun “For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” John 6:33 (NKJV)

Exhausted, I knew the night’s sleep was going to be crucial. The night passed quickly, and suddenly my eyes opened to the “next day!” I rolled out, onto my knees, wanting to commit the day to Him who sits on the throne, and whose glory is above the heavens. The only petition I could pray was “please, give me (us) this day my daily Bread.” Food sustains, comforts,  strengthens, and helps our bodies function. However, I wasn’t begging for physical food for this day that would bring heartache and turmoil, rather my soul was crying out for spiritual Bread.  My soul needed strength that only comes from God and the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Only by asking Him—begging Him—for His filling in my heart, would I make it.  You’ve probably had days too when it is only by His grace that you made it.

Was it everything I had thought it would be? Yes, and tripled! The crisis we faced that morning within two hours had turned into three.  Rolled into a ball of one it was a day that only God could have brought us through. What an unspeakable joy that—in the midst of trials—we have a God who is so caring that His love is bigger than any day’s problems. They do not go away, but He puts that yoke across our shoulders and His own shoulders taking the greater weight on Himself. Praise His Holy name!

“Holy God, we bless Your name which is above all names. We cannot make it even a second without You, but facing days with You by our side, sometimes with You even carrying us, is our only hope. Our hope is in You, Lord! Thank You for Your promise to be with us today!”

 

For His Glory

Sandy Day

TRBC Mountain Blend

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 13, 2013

Radiating Joy

Smiling Woman“We write this to make our joy complete.”  I John 1:4 (NIV)

What supersizes your happy?  You know like overflows your joy meter into the sweet dance of exhilaration.  What ignites your life?  You know like illuminates even in the deepest dark.  What secret truths can you no longer hold captive?  You know like you’re bursting to share the good news.  Extraordinary joy can never be contained it always seeps out inviting even the skeptics to join in.  And invigorating experiences launch us past the deep into the breaking dawn of new life.  So what’s the secret just bursting at the seams?  It’s etched on the faces of radiant daughters whose lives have been renewed, refreshed and redeemed. It’s sung in the hearts of those whose stories have been rewritten, etched in the palms of His nail pierced hands. It’s compelling truths that free the chained and broken released from captivity into healing rain.  Birthed in the pages of the gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – we trace the heartstrings of our Jesus transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary joy.  And in the wake of miracles, crucifixions and resurrections – the beloved Apostle John can’t resist proclaiming, testifying and bursting forth with the good news.  The living, breathing , and serving Son of God appeared and impacted John’s world.  It’s a mystery that unravels one story at a time compelling even total strangers to witness His grace, love and forgiveness that is guaranteed to transform even skeptics into raving worshippers.  And so we too write to you – His joy makes our lives complete.

“Father, may we forever be captivated by the gospel – Your love story – written so that all might believe.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 12, 2013

Take Off Your Sandals

cb devo aug12

“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Exodus 3:5 (NIV)

Seriously, could this really be happening?  I couldn’t see Jesus, but I felt Him.  During a writer’s critique session at a  women’s conference, we were grouped with several strangers.  Unbeknown to them, I had been praying alongside my daughter concerning a hometown Bible study.  Though she had located one via google; unfamiliarity prompted further information.

During my critiquing curiosity prompted me to ask the meaning of an abbreviation on one of the ladies’ papers. She explained ‘back home’ she was involved in a community Bible study – not just a participator but also one of the leaders/facilitators!!  Further conversation revealed this was not only the study my daughter had googled but also ten minutes from her home!   An added bonus – they offer a great children’s program for her toddler!!  Was this not the hand of God?  My heart leapt with joy, I had been on holy ground!!

Throughout our day, how many times does Jesus pass by placing us on holy ground?  Remember Moses?  In Exodus 3:5 – “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”  Like Moses we figure our day will be like any other ordinary day never anticipating when and how God will show up.  If God hadn’t provided Moses with a miracle it wouldn’t have been a miracle.  God orchestrates ‘miracle moments’ in our lives as well.  Stop, take off your sandals, and bow right where you are – Jesus passes by when you least expect it!!

 

“Dear Father, please make us aware when you pass by.” 

 

For His Glory

 

Patsy Sanders

TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 9, 2013

Wonderfully Made

Newborn Baby in Mother Hand“O LORD, how great are your works! And your thoughts are very deep.”  Psalm 92:5 (NKJV)


Rising early one morning, I sought the Lord and He gave me some incredible thoughts.  Sometimes His thoughts are very deep, but very simple.  I then headed to Lynchburg College at 6:00 a.m. to do my early morning walk. What a beautiful day!!!!!!!!  I am grateful to God that I am healthy to walk. We can take so much for granted. How many times do we pause to think how wonderful our body is and all the functions that it has?  It’s good to take the time to thank God for all our body parts that work. He’s let us see His beautiful creation with our eyes. There are those that are blind and cannot see it. He’s given us ears to hear the beautiful chirping sounds of the birds. Some are deaf and cannot hear the beautiful sounds the birds make. He gave us a mouth to praise Him with. Some are mute and can’t verbally praise Him. He gave us a tongue to taste the good foods He’s given us. Some people don’t have taste buds. He’s given us arms to lift up our hands and praise Him. Some people don’t have arms to lift. He’s given us teeth to chew our food.  Some people don’t have teeth, and, if you have dentures, still thank Him for that. There is just so much to be thankful for. Sometimes we don’t appreciate these things until something stops working or something is gone. Let’s take the time to praise Him for creating our beautiful body.

 

“Lord your works are great!  Your thoughts are deep.  We love You for how You have blessed us with bodies that function well.  May we not take for granted what You have given us.  May we take care of Your temple.”

 

For His Glory

 Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Gratitude, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 8, 2013

Count It All Joy

Cb devo aug8 “Dear brothers and sisters,when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” James 1:2 (NLT)

How can we get our mind to a place of joy in the midst of troubles? Even more amazing is how can someone take a bad situation and make it a ministry?  Hard to believe?  Not really, recently I had the opportunity to hear the amazing testimony of a dear friend who is experiencing various types and stages of cancer. She humbles and inspires me because, I have never seen her without the biggest, joyful smile on her face. It can be a day she’s physically weak from cancer, but her heart is so full of the Holy Spirit the joy oozes from her. At the end of her testimony, she mentioned a statement a fellow sufferer of cancer told her and it hit me dead on: “Don’t waste your cancer.” Whew!  Whatever we are going through (physical ailments, marital problems, financial struggles, etc.), we too must commit to not waste the opportunity God has given us. People are naturally drawn to us in times of crisis, so let’s turn it around and give them Jesus. God has opened a door to people we may never have met otherwise. No matter what our challenge is, the ultimate purpose is to give God the glory. So how do you count it all joy – by seeing others meet our Savior – the One who is carrying us and walking with us every day.

 “Dear God, “As we encounter the trials of this life, give us the strength and courage to ask what, not why when they happen. Help us to seek what we can do to give You glory through the situation and accept Your peace each step of the journey.”

 

For His Glory

 Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

 

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 7, 2013

Divine Advice

A Middle Eastern woman lying down reading“Use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm.” Ephesians 6:13 (NLT)

 Pulling into our driveway, I noticed something just didn’t look right.  Getting out the car, I headed towards the front door and that’s when I saw it.  My beautiful overflowing petunias were gone, evaporated.  When I left early in the morning, I walked right past them without noticing a thing.  Nipped and frayed, my petunias now looked like a haircut gone bad.  Little snippets  of leaves and vines circled the planter  – no flowering buds insight.  Who would do such a thing?  How cruel?  I couldn’t figure it out and then all of a sudden a harsh reality sunk in.  My petunias were probably devoured by those cute deer I had seen the night before.  Innocently running  through our yard, I never thought they would be capable of destroying, devouring and ripping apart my petunias.  My husband confirmed my suspicions.   And while I was still fuming, he gave me some good advice to keep those deer from having a feast with my flowers.

 You know, sometimes I leave my life exposed like those petunias vulnerable to the attacks of one who loves to devour my best intentions.  Oh I might look like I’ve got it all together on the outside, but if I’m not doing something on the inside to protect my mind, my soul and my heart then I’m a sitting prey for Satan’s feast.  What looks innocent and cute in one moment turns into utter destruction in the daylight of dawn.  God’s divine advice – flee, resist and turn away – perfectly poised for real beauty.

 “Father, we often entertain what we think we can control only to fall flat on our face.  Help us to realize that Your protection plan guarantees our success.”

 For His Glory

 Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Freedom, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 6, 2013

I Surrender

cb devo aug 6“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God.” James 4:6a-7a (ESV)

Every one of us at one time or another has felt like our lives are not what we want them to be , but it’s what we do in that moment that makes all the difference. Do we try to handle it ourselves? Or do we look to the only One who is truly able to handle everything that comes our way and make our lives what they should be?

 

The very same God, who has the power to create everything out of nothing, can take a life of brokenness and turn it into something wonderful if only we allow Him. Unfortunately our pride sometimes gets in the way. We live trying to handle everything ourselves because we think we know better. Or maybe we think God is too busy to worry about our problems. Whatever the reason, deep down we know our way isn’t working. It’s time for something else. The only sure solution is complete surrender.

 When we trust in God, instead of relying on our own abilities, our lives will never be a mess, even if things aren’t going exactly as planned.  Trusting in God allows us to live the way God intended –  no longer weighed down by a constant struggle. When we surrender control to the One who can handle it all, we become free.  And in that freedom, we can finally live.

 “God, forgive me for wanting to do things my own way. Thank You for loving me enough to want to handle things for me. Help me to surrender fully.”

 For His Glory,

 Josey Bozzo
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 5, 2013

Together We Can

Teacher and Student In A Classroom At School“We are God’s workers, working together; you are like God’s farm, God’s house.”  I Corinthians 3:9 (NCV)

 What have you done for Him lately?  How are you using your God given gifts?  God has given us each a gift and He blesses those who use their abilities.  Every church needs volunteers, but more than that we need to use our gifts. God created us in His image to serve others, and when we accept Him as Savior a strong desire arises within us to use our gift.  

 When Jesus came to earth, He served others.  He didn’t come, as he could have as King, to be served.  We should follow in His example and be serving.  Not everyone is called into full-time ministry, but we all have opportunities to serve in our workplace as a nurse, a doctor, a secretary, or a janitor.  Perhaps we are serving in our homes helping our children or taking care of an aging parent. No matter what we do, God can use our gift to bless others.  Don’t know what your gift is?  Respond to this email, and I will be happy to send you a Servant profile to help you discover your gift.     When we all use our gifts together,  we can make a difference – we can change the world.

 “Father, thank You for the gift of _______help me to use it for Your honor and glory.” 

 For His Glory,

 Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

 

 

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

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